Valerie Tepes had known suffering all her life. Born to the royal family, yet shunned for the human blood in her veins. Aside from Gasper and Tenra, everyone she met seemed intent on bullying her, mocking her, or using her for their own ends. Even when Marius discovered the Sacred Gear inside her and spirited her away from the castle, it was only to exploit her power.
Years in that cold, merciless world taught Valerie to lock her heart away. Abuse, ridicule, manipulation—those became ordinary, expected, almost natural. It was easier to be numb.
But Lord Tenra's household was different. No one bullied her, no one mocked her. Even though they were strangers, they offered warmth and kindness. Even the fallen angel who called herself Tenra's "tool" only teased her playfully—nothing like the icy malice she'd always known from other vampires.
"Valerie, are you alright? Is the food not to your liking?" Maru asked gently, noticing Valerie's bowed head and lack of appetite.
She and Bülent had worked hard on the meal, but Valerie stopped after just a couple bites. Was it not suited to a vampire's tastes? Yet Gasper was devouring his portion with gusto.
"N-no, it's delicious. I just… I just…" Valerie stammered, quickly wiping her reddened eyes.
Tenra set down his cup and spoke softly, "From now on, we're your family. No one will ever hurt you again. Eat up—the food's getting cold."
A wave of warmth swept through Valerie. She nodded, voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Lord Tenra…"
She'd never felt so safe, so at peace. It was just dinner, but she found herself blinking back tears again and again. The others watched her with quiet sympathy, hearts aching for the girl who'd suffered so much.
After the meal, Maru and Bülent brought out tea and sweets. Valerie slowly relaxed, the tension easing from her shoulders as she adapted to the gentle atmosphere.
Tenra sipped his tea and turned to her. "Valerie, let's talk. I warned you before—even after your Sacred Gear awakened, you had to keep it hidden. How did you get caught?"
Valerie's cheeks flushed with shame. "I'm sorry, Lord Tenra." She recounted how she'd awakened the Grail's power, and how she'd been discovered.
Tenra couldn't help shaking his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Classic Valerie…"
He leaned forward, voice serious. "The Grail's power is incredible, but dangerous. You can't control it yet. I've healed your wounds, but if you keep using its abilities, your body and mind will break down again."
He didn't bother with pretense. "Valerie, I need your Sacred Gear. Will you let me take it?"
Valerie blinked. "You… you need my Sacred Gear?"
"That's right. You saw me take Gasper's, didn't you? I can draw power from other Sacred Gears. I've got powerful enemies ahead—I need every ounce of strength I can get."
He met her gaze. "Can I have yours?"
Valerie nodded instantly, her confusion plain but her trust absolute. "Of course. If Lord Tenra needs it, it's yours."
Tenra couldn't help but sigh. "Your Sacred Gear is a Longinus—one of the rarest and most powerful. Are you sure you don't want to think it over? Even if you asked for something in return, I'd agree."
Valerie shook her head, earnest and innocent. "It's fine. I'm happy to help you, Lord Tenra. Just being here with everyone is enough—I don't want anything else."
Tenra smiled, a little sad, a little fond. "You really are born to give everything away, aren't you? Come to my room in a bit."
He stood and slipped an arm around Shelan and Isabella, heading off to his quarters.
Valerie lingered at Tenra's door, nerves twisting in her stomach. Gasper had warned her—the process of extracting a Sacred Gear was agonizing. She was scared.
But fear quickly gave way to resolve. Tenra had rescued her from a world of cold and despair. She owed him everything. If a little pain could help him, it was nothing.
"Lord Tenra, it's me—Valerie," she called, knocking gently.
The door opened—not Tenra, but Yubelluna, beautiful and regal as ever. Tenra's Queen.
"Come in. Lord Tenra's been waiting," Yubelluna said, her smile warm.
Valerie stepped inside—and froze. Her cheeks went scarlet.
Shelan stood at Tenra's side, composed and elegant. Isabella, meanwhile, was sprawled in Tenra's arms, locked in a passionate kiss that seemed to go on and on.
Yubelluna smiled knowingly. "Wait a moment. They'll finish soon."
Valerie could only nod, eyes fixed on the floor, embarrassment radiating from every pore.
No one spoke. For a long stretch, the only sounds in the room were Tenra and Isabella's fevered kisses. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they broke apart.
Tenra licked his lips with satisfaction. Isabella lay against him, breathless and blissful.
"Come here, Valerie," Tenra said, motioning her forward as Shelan helped Isabella settle off to the side.
Valerie hurried over, still flustered, still blushing.
Tenra couldn't help but smile. She'd changed so much—no longer the little girl he remembered, but a graceful, beautiful young woman. Time really did fly.
He brushed her forehead gently. "This will hurt a bit. I'll be as gentle as I can. Try to bear it."
"O-okay, Lord Tenra," Valerie whispered, cheeks still burning.
Tenra said nothing more. He reached out, activating Sacred Gear Plunder. His hand pressed against Valerie's chest, sinking in—
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